Scan Global Logistics (SGL) has entered the Swiss market for the first time through the purchase of Belglobe.
Fast-growing SGL said Belglobe had three decades of experience and a “strong position” in the temperature-controlled pharma healthcare and luxury consumables industries.
“SGL will gain immediate proximity to multinational companies’ central procurement and supply chain management,” the forwarder said.
“Another advantage is Switzerland’s proximity to major European markets such as Germany, France, Italy, and Austria, enabling efficient distribution of goods throughout the continent.”
In addition, Belglobe holds a strong position in the Latin American market.
Lars Syberg chief executive Europe, Middle East and Africa, excluding the Nordics, said: “It was a natural step to enter the Swiss market due to its strategic importance and mix of domestic and multinational customers who have placed their centralized procurement in the country.
“Also, since Switzerland is not part of the EU, Belglobe’s knowledge and ability to navigate the complex regulatory environment will be instrumental in achieving our ambitious plans for Switzerland.”
Stefan Zangger, owner of Belglobe, added: “Being part of a bigger company with global opportunities will benefit both our existing and potential customers.”
SGL has grown rapidly in recent years, increasing its presence from 17 to 48 countries since 2016.
The company is targeting local representation in 60 countries and a presence in 25 of the world’s largest economies.
Cargo handler Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) is investing in its facilities at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru after signing handling contracts with 20 airlines.
The new deals, of between three and five years, come after the handler began operations at the airport at the end of May in partnership with Bangalore International Airport Limited.
WFS is the airport’s second handler and the only one with a dedicated cold chain operation.
The company is now looking to develop its facilities at the airport.
Following refurbishment, the handler will increase its annual capacity at the airport from 120,000 tonnes to 250,000 tonnes.
It also has a two-phase plan to increase the size of the cold chain facility, initially doubling its capacity to 80,000 tonnes and, later, to over 150,000 tonnes per annum in “acknowledgment of India’s leading positive in the global pharmaceutical and healthcare markets”.
WFS has already introduced new forklift equipment and cargo tugs in Bengaluru, including new-generation electric vehicles.
Other automation and digitalisation systems will also be adopted by WFS in India to “increase productivity and operational visibility”.
“After a great deal of planning and preparation, it was an honour for WFS to commence its first-ever operations in India in Bengaluru at the end of May and we are proud to have already won so many important airline customers,” said Manish Agnihothri, chief executive of WFS Bengaluru.
John Batten, WFS’ chief executive Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: Our goal from the outset has been to bring our international cargo handling expertise into the Indian market and to add value for India’s air cargo community stakeholders.
“We aim to play an important role in helping Bengaluru realise its air cargo growth ambitions.”
The airport is the third-largest and fastest-growing cargo hub in India.
Röhlig Logistics’ US business has achieved IATA Center of Excellence for Independent Validators Lithium Batteries (CEIV Li-batt) certification for its branches in Chicago and New York.
Röhlig USA said that to achieve the certification it had to pass a lengthy certification process consisting of in-depth employee training, on-site assessments and a final validation.
The company added that the certification of the two facilities in Chicago and New York was just the first step and there are plans to roll out to additional offices and countries across Röhlig’s network in the coming months.
Markus Wegmann, chief operating officer at Röhlig USA, said: “We are delighted to be one of only a few freight forwarders in the US to have already been recognised with the CEIV Li-batt certification.
“It further demonstrates our expertise in handling lithium batteries as well as our compliance with all regulations.”
IATA introduced the certification to ensure that the lithium battery product supply chain meets its safety obligations and complies with the applicable transport regulations.
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